The Institute for Biology Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites junior and senior undergraduate students interested in research careers in the biological sciences to participate in the Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program (IBS-SRP). This hands-on research program is designed primarily to give students from other colleges and universities a chance to experience the richness of research at UW–Madison.
As part of the program, students do full-time research for 10 weeks with a faculty member in one of eight disciplinary areas:
The eight disciplinary areas are connected through a seminar series highlighting major themes in biology, science writing, preparation for graduate school, and biological sciences careers. The major themes are:
- evolution
- pathways and transformations of energy and matter in biological systems
- information flow, exchange and storage in biological systems
- structure and function
- systems biology
At the end of the program, students give an oral presentation of their research results and write a final research report that is published in a program journal.
Eligibility
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents between their sophomore and senior years who have not graduated before the program begins, have a grade point average of at least 3.0, and strong interest in a career in biological research. Students who are African American, Hispanic, Native American, Southeast Asian, Native Alaskan or Native Pacific Islander OR who are from low-income homes OR who are the first in their family to attend college OR who attend small liberal arts institutions without broad research facilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
The application will be available on this web site by November 15, 2013. All application materials are due on February 15, 2014! Please visit the IBS-SRP Application section for more information.
Financial Support
There are no fees or tuition costs. The program provides a $6,000 stipend, full support for travel, housing, health insurance (if needed), and a partial food allowance. Students also have access to campus libraries and facilities.
Research Areas
The range of biological research areas in which students may participate is quite extensive. Applicants are encouraged to learn about faculty doing research in their areas of interest, and identify their top choices for potential mentors in the application. For examples of past student research, see the history page.
Selection and Placement
Selection and laboratory placement of students will take place in January, February, and March. Applicants who are not placed will be notified by the end of April.
Contact
Program Director
Dr. Janet Branchaw
ibs@biology.wisc.edu
